ACpilot

Fresh in from Hong Kong!

This is the very first diecast CF-18 issued in 1/72 Scale by any manufacturer and I would have to say that it has definitely been worth the wait. I don't think I have ever had this much anticipation regarding a diecast model before.

When I heard that Hobby Master was working on its' F-18 tooling I suggested to them something current for a Canadian version.
William agreed and as a result we have a fully modernized CF-18 (CF-188) depicting a 425 "Alouette" Squadron example that was deployed on March 18th of this year to enforce the UN mandated "No Fly Zone" over Libya. Seven CF-18s and two CC-150T Polaris AAR Tankers were deployed to Trapani, Sicily forming Task Force Libeccio as part of the overall Canadian contribution known as Operation Mobile. Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s continue to operate over Libya even today.


This flight line picture shows 6 of the 7 Canadian CF-18A(M)s being readied for operations. The CF-18 (IMP) Incremental Modernization Project was only recently completed (June 2010). 80 CF-18s were modified with new Radar (AN/APG-73), Communications, New Mission Computer, Link 16 Data net system, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), upgraded electronic warfare suite, ability to carry AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missile, and the Advanced Sniper Targeting Pod was acquired as part of this program. After the IMP the CF-18 is equivalent to current F/A-18C/Ds.



Since the beginning of Op MOBILE, TF Libeccio has flown more than 800 CF-18 strike sorties, employing GBU 10- and 12-series laser-guided bombs against Gaddafi’s forces – 10 per cent of the total NATO airstrikes. CC-150 Polaris air-to-air refuellers have conducted more than 200 air-to-air refuelling sorties, continuing to prove critical to coalition fighter operations.

The first thing I noticed about this model is that the Hobby Master F-18 really is a "cut above" the competition (I have both Dragon Wings and Witty F-18s in my collection as well). The Nose gear and both main landing gear come as complete assemblies and fit perfectly (no glue required). There are two canopies included for both the open and closed options as well as two Speed Brakes again to display open or closed . Armament includes two GBU-12 500 lb Paveway IIs as well as 3 AMRAAM missiles (one for the starboard fuselage station and another pair for the dual launcher on the starboard wing). Sidewinders come pre-attached at the wing tip stations. We also have another first in the diecast world with the SNIPER Pod included for the Port fuselage station. There are also 3 external fuel tanks included.

When Canadian CF-18s first arrived in Theatre they were used in the Air Superiority Role. For this they were armed with the 3 AMRAAMS and two Sidewinders (the three externals and the SNIPER Pod were also carried). I have chosen to display my example armed with the dual AMRAAM launcher starboard and both GBU-12s under the port wing (replacing one external fuel tank). This armament option was used fairly early in the conflict when Canada switched to the Strike role and the Libyan Air Force was not yet completely elliminated. Later, when the Libyan Air Force was no longer a factor all three external fuel tanks were carried and the GBUs were divided between each wing and the dual AMRAAM launcher was not used.



Overall I highly recommend this model. Only 1,000 are being made so get one while you can!

Dan

aradrom

Great review and nice pictures...
I'm really looking forward to it. I hope it becomes available in Canada...very soon...

WestjetterO

I think this will be my first Military Model purchase.

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peetrick

Very nice pictures ACpilot. Thanks for sharing, now i know what to look forward to for future releases. I favor a us military so preferably a us navy or us marine hornet, and i'll also be waiting for a better weapons load. But seems all the HM hornets have more or less the same weapons so far.

Eagle Driver

Excellent review Dan and quite informative. It's fantastic when HM makes a great effort to get the model right. Very pleased you are happy with your new addition

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Sachiel

Glad to see the model turned out alright ACpilot. I have two copies of this model on order as we speak. As for the model itself, I recall you were also instrumental in advising William at HM what the CF-18 should have and not have present? The antennas, sniper pod, spot light, markings, loadout.

As good as it is, is this model perfect? Anything missing or details not included that you are somewhat unsatisfied with or would have liked HM to include? Would be interesting to hear you comment on this one ACpilot.


Picky picky Peetrick! Its funny you should mention the limited loadout for HM's FR-18s. There are only two models out so far anyways. Plus the Canadian version's loadout seems pretty unique to me.

Eagle Driver

No diecast model can ever be perfect. Limitations of the moulding process, cost and certain features too difficult to replicate etc It's the sort of thing we've been trying to tell petrick, virtual_pilot but they will not listen.

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Sachiel

Thanks for replying, but thats not what I meant. What i do mean is whether HM took all the comments from Canadian enthusiasts including ACpilot and managed to fullfill most if not all the recommendations on what details should be included on the diecast model.

ACpilot, are there any details or specific physical traits you recommended that werent reproduced on HM's model?

Eagle Driver

Ah I see Over to you Dan

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peetrick

Yea i think the dual AMRAAM's pretty cool on the CF-18. I'm satisfied with HM's hornet loadouts, they do have a complete standard loadout, but what i mean is that they could give us more ordnance so that so that we can choose what we want to display. These hornets don't have a lot of pylons do they? so more options would be better. Plus, different ordinances would be great too, like other bombs besides Paveways, more types of pods and missiles, like the AGM-84 Harpoon. I see HM's effort in adding an already existing HM missile the maverick to the us marine D variant hornet.

bragadox

Nice and informative review, ACPilot!
Yumyum ... HMs F-18 seems to be a real "winner"-mold
That gets me in real trouble as i already have two Dragon F/A-18 (which are not bad at all, too) and space in my cabinet is very limited ... arrrgh

How about the canopy of the HM CF-18, ACPilot? Someone mentioned, that it shows nearly no gap in closed position?



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ACpilot

Thanks for the favourable comments guys.

While no model is "perfect", I would have to say that this one is as close as it gets.

You have all the recognizable features of a modernized CF-18 here including those unique to a Canadian Hornet (correct antennas on the Vertical tails for instance which differ from the U.S. versions). In addition for the first time in the Diecast world we have the SNIPER Advanced Targeting Pod and the Dual AMRAAM Launcher (many commented that these could not be done).

Errors that were avoided can be seen when you look at the Pre Production Photos.

The five IFF antennas on top of the nose were missing - Corrected

The covered searchlight portside was not represented - Corrected

The pilot sat too low and had a white helmet - Corrected and painted Grey

Various VHF/ UHF antennas were missing - Corrected

AIM-7 Sparrow was used on the fuselage station - Corrected with AMRAAM

Originally HM wanted to use the Pilot names painted under the Canopy but this would have been an error as they were painted out on the real aircraft for security reasons - Error avoided.

I am more than happy with the result.

Dan

SweptWings

Looks like an awesome model, perfect pics make it all the more mouthwatering!

Blue Angel No.5

Nice presentation Dan. Great pics and example photos too! Hobby Master has done an outstanding job on this model as well as responding with corrections. As much as I love my US Navy hornets, I think this CAF hornet will be my first HM Hornet. I wish for success beyond what HM hopes for so that they can continue to deliver great releases to collectors in the Future. They definitely have my support. I hope they will consider other Carrier Based aircraft in the future.

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Eagle Driver

Good point Blue Angel. HM must continue this way of producing great releases. It will be a major disappointment if their next Hornet falls short of the standard set by the CF-18.

A little off topic but sort of linked. I've heard on the news Colonel Gaddafi is dead. A rumour is going round it was the result of a Nato air strike.

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ACpilot

Here is a pic of the closed canopy option. Looks tight to me.

Dan

bragadox

Yep, that's tight!
Just falling more and more in love with that HM bird

Thanks Dan


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Woody715

Mines already on order. Cant wait to get it.....

virtual_pilot

I would love to see a low vis US marines Hornet.

virtual_pilot

which ons are these?
Is there any reason for HM to make two canopies for this model?

ACpilot

The VHF/UHF antennas are correct on the Final Product version.

The reason for two canopies is that the extension arm is extended for one (open) and retracted for the other (closed) - see my photos above. I think this is a great solution compared to Witty where you have to fiddle with the tiny extension arm to have the canopy open and is incorrectly missing entirely to display the canopy closed.

Dan

Eagle Driver

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best. Very good of HM to have carefully considered the canopies. x-plus attempted a working hinged canopy which led to problems for a number of collectors. It's even suggested they should have followed the HM method of separate canopies.

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virtual_pilot

I think so too, the solution to the extension arm, as well as the airbrakes, was smart.
Sorry, my question about the antenna was "where are these antennae?"
I am not very educated about the hornet's appearance.

Blue Angel No.5

This one is a bit old school, but this one has always been a favorite. VMFA-531 Grey Ghosts

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mar_ji

a very good presentation of such a beautiful model as the CF-18....AC pilot...compliments to HM too for exerting their uttermost bestto make a next to perfect model

G8D7-

Very nice pictures and review Dan. Great job on Hobby Master's part. I'm not sure who is going to have to wait: Battlefield 3 or this baby?

Ukrainian_Falcons

It's a no brainer, the model can wait lol

Funny that you mention the two, the only reason why I'm thinking of getting the Sunliners F/A-18 is because theres's a F/A-18 in the game lol

G8D7-

You reckon?
Yeah, but I hate how they put E's in the game. Hey, I just like my movies and games to be as close to the real facts as possible. key word is "close".

Canamwing

Is this the aircraft they used to help murder Gaddafi?

virtual_pilot

one of them but not the one that strafed his motorcrade. That one was supposed to be a french rafale. Gadafi, mind you, was shot in the head by the people of Libya that revolted against him. A very horrific story.

QFA388

The HM F/A-18 has a striking resemblance to the Academy kit which is what I suspect their model is based on. Even the MER's have the same level of detail.
Pic is the Academy 1/72 F/A-18B I built.

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On the bench....or in the queue:

Too many kits and not enough time!

Ukrainian_Falcons

Well I pre order it so I don't have much choice lol maybe I'll ge the model for xmas lol

I'm just glad that out any aircraft in the console version lol It's a pitty they didn't include and 2 seater aircraft

Eagle Driver

Indeed it has been mentioned the Academy kit is suspected as the basis of the model.

A nice build with your model by the way

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aradrom

Could it be that the HM F-18's models are based on the Dragon's former F-18 mold?
I think if I'm correct Dragon discontinued their Warbirds series and exited the 1:72 scale planes market...so perhaps their F-18 moulds (single & double seater version) got sold off...
HM may have picked them up...did some minor modifications and improvements and here it is......
I could be way off but this model reminds me a lot of Dragon's F-18 model which was really great...

ACpilot

The Hobby Master F-18 Tooling blow the doors off the old Dragon version.

Dan

Sachiel

I think its a no brainer that you pick up the model first. The game can wait. The game will be readily available even years from now. Plus millions of copies are being printed for Battlefield 3 (its also bound to go on sale in the future). The CF-18 model? Not so much since only 1000 are being made. Get it before its sold out, before it becomes as hard to find as HM's A-10 Killer Chick.

Eagle Driver

Don't know is my answer. It's been mentioned CW used a FOV mould for their Tomcat by tweaking it. Could HM have done something similar

Unsure if ACpilot's reply is an affirmative No to the theory.

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Hornet Handler

minor oversight... there should be no 425 markings on the aircraft... all squadron markings were removed prior to deployment into theatre..

aradrom

How do you know about the squadron markings removal prior to deployment?
I suspect you were or are currently, either a pilot or ground crew (this is a speculation based on your user name "Hornet Handler" and your CFB Cold Lake location)...but can you tell us more?

Hornet Handler

Current avionics tech with 5 years on the hornet.. I carried out several acceptance checks on aircraft returning from theatre and transfer checks on aircraft going into theatre when 409 replaced 425 mid deployment as i am one of the few people on base qualified to carry out functionals on the electronic warfare suite...

We were required to remove squadron markings from not only the tops of the vertical stabilizers but also from wing pylons as well.. as well as pilot and technician names from under the canopy sil

Additional markings were applied by Task Force Libeccio to the vertical stabs above the flags.. as seen below

Attached Thumbnails

 

aradrom

Thanks for the great info...and welcome to the forum...
It is possible that the model HM released represents the CF-18 Hornet before deployment?...
BTW...I'm always thrilled when I get the occasion to talk to an air force ground crew member...
Were you transfered to Trapani AB in Sicily during the mission?

Skinner67

Thanks for the input Hornet Handler. It's always nice to get feedback from those familiar with details. How do you like the model overall?

ACpilot

Sorry but you are not entirely correct.

Squadron Markings were removed in theatre after the first few missions were flown.

Here is a picture taken at Trapani of the exact aircraft (#769) taken shortly after Canadian Missions started (Photo dated March 21st, 2011) Later in the conflict the Squadron Markings were removed.

http://www.combatcamera.forces.gc.ca...e=combatcamera

You can see that the crew names under the cockpit have been painted out for security reasons but the Squadron Markings stayed on for a short while.

The special Task Force Libeccio markings didn't appear until much later.

The model by Hobby Master is correct for a Canadian CF-18 early on in the Libyan Conflict.


Dan

Sachiel

^ Man, AC Pilot, when it comes to CF-18s you really are on top of all the details and specifics. Good find and great job on defending the accuracy of HM's CF-18 model.

aradrom

Thanks for the info ACPilot...
In defence of Hornet Handler's comments...the article reads that the deployed CF-18's were part of 425 Tactical Fighter Squadron Bagotville.
Hornet Handler member is part of the CFB Cold Lake, so perhaps that planes from that airbase were planned to take part on Lybia mission...

ACpilot

409 TFS from Cold Lake rotated in later on. No doubt the Squadron Markings were removed prior to deployment for the replacement aircraft.

Dan

aradrom

Thanks for the info...

Eagle Driver

Very good it proves even the "experts" can occasionally get it wrong Great that HM indeed applied the correct markings.

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SuperKungFu

This would be the 3rd picture review of this model but that's because it's a really nice model. Picked it up from the AimHigherJet's sale, I believe they still have it in stock.

I guess I don't have to say anything further since both ACpilot and Sachiel covered it. I might try some of Aki's mod to the model but here's some pictures:













Looks nice on a Witty Wings F-18 stand but isn't necessary this time since HM's stock stand can accommodate the central fuel tank

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Blue Angel No.5

SKF, looking at your picture makes me jealous, even though i have the same CF-18. Your pics really bring out the good of this model! The Witty stands look like the way to go. It also holds the aircraft nice and high.

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